How to Buy: Broadband Service
Whether you're new to the Web or a wily veteran, we offer some tips on finding the best high-speed access for you 

Monday, Oct. 7, 2002
The Web may be the greatest thing since the boil-in-bag burrito but viewing it over a slow connection can be frustrating. Even the fastest dial-up modems can handle only small amounts of data compared with broadband connections such as cable modems and digital subscriber lines (DSLs).


BEGINNER

The Question Why You Asked What You Want to Hear How much is broadband service going to cost me? Broadband connections aren't cheap, but in the past year prices have dropped to about twice those of dial-up ISPs. The monthly fee is $40 to $50, but installation can cost $75 to $100, so be on the lookout for free-installation deals. How do I know if I can get cable or DSL in my area? Before you can get broadband, your neighborhood has to be set up for it. Many areas haven't been upgraded yet. Call your cable TV provider to ask about cable modems, or your phone carrier for DSLs. Or just visit broadbandreports.com. How fast can I download files with this service? While both kinds of connection are plenty speedy, cable modems normally download files faster than DSLs do. This home DSL connection has a top download speed of 608 Kbps. However, this cable modem is twice as fast. Just how reliable is this broadband connection? Dial-up services are slow but simple. DSL and cable are more prone to problems that require real tech-support help. To be honest, neither service is 100% trouble-free, but DSL is more finicky. Cable is the best bet for nongeeks.

ADVANCED

The Question Why You Asked What You Want to Hear Will my PC need a special card to use this service? Most cable and DSL modems connect to computers via Ethernet cards, but some can plug into normal USB ports. If your PC doesn't have built-in Ethernet, check the service provider's website — you may be able to use USB. What are the security risks of broadband? Since DSL and cable give you always-on connections to the Net, hackers may try to peek into your PC over the Net. There are risks, but secure hardware from your provider combined with good security software will keep you safe. What extra features does this service offer? Like any Internet service provider, a broadband provider should offer Net perks in addition to a fast connection. You should get up to five different e-mail addresses, Web hosting and access to newsgroups and exclusive content. Should I avoid installation fees by doing it myself? As the demand for broadband increases, some providers are allowing impatient customers to hook it up themselves. Unless you've done this kind of thing before, endure the wait. That way you can blame any problems on the provider.

If extra speed isn't enough, here are a few more reasons to make the change:

• Cable modems and DSLs don't tie up phone lines, so you can have an "always on" connection to the Net.
• The monthly fee for a broadband connection 12 times faster than your modem is about the same as for regular dial-up service plus an extra phone line.
• If you have two or more computers in the house, they can all use the same broadband connection at the same time — though you'll have to spend a little more to wire everything together.
• The tricky part is deciding between a cable modem and DSL. We'll lay out the pros and cons, but ultimately the decision hinges on what's available in your area. To find out and read users' comments, visit broadbandreports.com or cnet.com/internet.